Engine Head Gasket Failure Problems of Subaru Forester

Head gaskets fail around 125,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Did not cause an accident in my case.

See all problems of the 2009 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Head gaskets fail around 100,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem with this vehicle. Did not cause an accident in my case.

Engine using synthetic ow-20 oil per dealer recommendation uses oil faster than new car should. Oil changed 18,951mi. At around 22,000 oil was noted leaking around oil filter. Also dipstick showing low level. Owner had to add oil while on a trip. After 24,393mi oil filter leak reported, dealer replaced gasket 803916010 and topped off oil. At 26,312 mi, oil again changed by dealer. 3k mi later (29,000mi) oil again showed below low on dipstick requiring owner to add oil. 32,191 mi service appointment oil change by dealer states "close to full. " dealer told us that cars use a quart of oil every thousand miles normally. No leak found on inspection. I always park in the same place at parking garage and there are no oil leaks on the concrete. My family has had 2 other new Subaru vehicles since 2003 which also use synthetic oil and no other car has had this oil usage. I have owned 6 new cars in my lifetime. I know how to maintain an engine by frequent checks and maintenance. My concern is that owners may lose an engine due to seizure if they follow Subaru recommended oil change by mileage or months. Some owners who are not diligent in checking frequently may lose an engine. My other concern is that either Subaru engine design, gaskets, or other parts may be to blame in excessive oil usage. Please investigate this problem.

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Car has been going through oil since the catalytic converter recall was done in fall of 2013. First noticed around February of 2014 when oil light came on and no oil in engine. I complained to dealer and they found nothing. I kept complaining on my oil change or other appointments but they found nothing wrong. The car was going through 2-3 courts every 2-3 months, with "burn" time getting closer together - eventually checked oil every 3 weeks by summer and every week by October. When the car would not run I eventually bypassed the dealer after no solution and complained to Subaru. I had a difficult time finding a dealer willing to take the car (so did Subaru). Feeling it was a dealer workmanship issue I paid for the work and Subaru reimbursed me to replaced the head gaskets in December 2014 - stating it was out of warranttee so that is how it has to be done. The other day (February 6, 2015) engine light came on again and no oil was in the engine - this is 2 months after work done. This car has had issues since the beginning and I feel as a first year redesigned model it is a Subaru defect. I have had to replace the brakes 3 times in a short span - few years (3 maybe). It has never had good pick-up and since catalytic converter recall was done the gas mileage dropped - was 22/28 now 19/23. The dealer who replaced head gaskets made a notation on my bill (without telling me directly) that the sway bars need attention. My brother has a 2007 Forester and has had to replace all of these items as well within the last few years. I needs a reliable vehicle to earn a living.

I had regular service done to my car at clay Subaru of norwood massachusetts. The representative stated that the mechanic noticed some oil seepage from the head gasket. They recommended that I get the head gaskets replaced within a year. Since that time I have monitored the oil level and have had to replace about a quart in between regular oil change intervals. I am concerned because I know this represents major engine work. They quoted that it would cost about $2,000. 00 to replace the head gaskets. The car only had about 115,000 miles on it. It is a 2003 Subaru Forester that I purchased new in Dec 2002.

See all problems of the 2003 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Head gasket failure.

See all problems of the 1999 Subaru Forester 🔎.

(1) noticed periodic overheating on 1998 Forester with 2. 5l dohc engine. (2) head gasket failed temperature spiked and coolant boiled over, large amount of white steam from hood. (3) dealer said problem was head gasket and the engine was repaired for $1800, Subaru of America was notified and denied any problems with this year engine in spite of a large number of similiar head gasket.

See all problems of the 1998 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Engine head gaskets failed. Heads were saved, but engine had to have top-half rebuilt.